As your production department pulls all the stops to meet deadlines, chances are the logistics team is doing its bit to ensure your products reach customers in time. To begin with, you can bank on MX Solutions for advanced multimodal transportation services, whether you plan to ship products across the country, border, or globally. The firm’s comprehensive services are designed for businesses of all sizes in various industries, including firms without a fleet or distribution network.
But what in God’s green earth is multimodal shipping? Stick with us as we unveil all the details, including why it makes sense to invest in it. Ready? Let’s dive in.
What Multimodal Shipping Involves
Multi means multiple. So, in essence, multimodal shipping involves a combination of two or more modes of transportation, such as air, rail, road, and sea. By so doing, you can move goods to various shipping points within a short period.
Usually, a multimodal provider handles all the logistical or freight forwarding requirements. This includes but isn’t limited to the following:
- Packaging
- Customs clearance
- Insurance and tracking
- Storage and warehouse services
- Loading and unloading
In short, they take charge of the entire process – from start to finish. Sure, they may contract other service providers to move freight, but they manage all the details. This implies that when you ship products through such a multimodal transport firm, you’ll only need to sign one contract and let the service provider dwell on the specifics. Think of a multimodal transport operator (MTO) as a liaison between the supplier, transporter, and recipient.
On that note, the MTO you team up offers a seamless solution by allowing multiple carriers to handle your packages or cargo. Thus, one carrier may use pallets, while another may transport shipments in containers. The multimodal provider then manages these services. Such handling may also be due to transport constraints or cost-saving strategies.
Why Invest in Multimodal Shipping?
As you’d expect, multimodal shipping offers numerous advantages. Let’s quickly break them down:
- Cost efficiency –By combining different modes of transport, you can save on outbound shipping costs. For instance, sea freight is more economical than air if you plan to ship items over long distances. Thus, you can combine sea and road transport to reduce overall costs. Plus, you don’t have to invest in an elaborate distribution network or expensive infrastructure.
- Time savings– Multimodal transportation services enable you to reduce transit times. How? By using several carriers for one shipment, you can enjoy faster delivery times. Plus, your MTO typically uses the shortest route to move your goods. By so doing, you can schedule deliveries earlier, get goods delivered faster, and meet customer demands within short periods.
- Effortless tracking– Imagine the hassle of tracking a single shipment handled by multiple carriers – the tiring phone calls to ascertain the delivery status and sometimes waiting for hours without success. Multimodal shipping simplifies the process by allowing you to track your goods through one portal or dashboard. Thus, you can easily check the whereabouts of your product and anticipate delivery times. Plus, improved routing makes it easier to track shipments in real time.
- Reliability– Since multiple service providers work hand in hand, your shipments are more likely to reach their destination safely. Besides, your goods in transit are well-insured, and you can quickly file a claim in case of a mishap during transit. In short, an MTO offers you peace of mind.
- Less paperwork– As we’ve pointed out, you only have one contract to worry about. This greatly reduces the paperwork, meaning you don’t have to deal with different carriers. Thus, you can focus on more pressing matters without wasting time sweating the details.
- Door-to-door delivery– Your MTO can further simplify the process by delivering goods to your recipient’s door. This eliminates the need for third-party assistance or warehouses and ensures goods reach your intended destination.
- Flexibility– Multimodal transport allows businesses to experiment with various combinations and routes instead of relying on one mode of transport. Thus, you can choose the most suitable modes. For instance, you can switch between alternate routes or modes of transport depending on weather conditions or traffic situations. Plus, you can adapt to changing circumstances or customer needs without much hassle.
Multimodal shipping is a go-to option for shippers looking to maximize their investments and gain an edge over competitors. And by partnering with the right provider, your business can enjoy streamlined operations and enhanced customer satisfaction as you meet their needs. Thus, consider teaming up with a reliable MTO and make your shipping experience a cinch.